Unjust Criticism

The Call's recent editorial that the Rochester Women's Action for Peace march on Memorial Day, "would attempt to pervert the purpose of a memorial parade" is a misconceived and unjust criticism.

War and peace are inextricably interrelated. No matter for what reasons wars are fought, the fervent hope of humanity during and after hostilities is for peace. And when we honor those who sacrificed their lives, we also should honor the legacy of peace they intended for the living.

There is a memorable declaration in Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address which reads: " . . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Abraham Lincoln not only dedicated a testimonial to those who fell on the battlefield but also stressed that peace for the living is the bequest of their heroic death.

If we refuse to acknowledge that peace is as an important factor in the equation of war and peace, then the loss of our loved ones is a mockery. There is no more fitting gesture to those who gave their lives than having a peace group as part of the mourners to affirm that "they shall not have died in vain."